someone did something (didnt do something, in this case) in 1945, woah, nothing has changed since then. Totally btfod, and peanuts pulsated.
inventing is interesting as heck. Thinking and trying to be creative and think about complex nature and things is first and second nature to some people. Some peoples gifts and joy and passion, some people would lose their mind in boredom if they had some mindless repetitive job. These people are scientists, research and developers, artists, etc.
Just because we the people supply a bunch of materials to these peoples in universities and have individual and common goals of creativity and sustainability and community and family doesn't mean creative people will be able to live like a cow monk in the field eating a small amount of food, drinking a small amount of water, and meditating all day.
All the knowledge that exists exists, all possible man power, all potential skill power, all passion, drive, desire, wonder, material, exists.